SERIES 2 OF 3

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

G.I.J.N. - WELCOME TO EACH ONE -

THIS MORING IS PART 2 OF OUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS SERIES - AND I LIKED THE QUOTE ON THE BACK OF OUR BULLETIN

“MY CONFIDENCE IS NOT IN MY ABILITY TO HANDLE THE DIFFICULTIES IN MY LIFE. MY CONFIDENCE IS IN GOD WHO IS SOVEREIGN OVER THOSE DIFFICULTIES, AND WHO IS USING THEM FOR MY SANCTIFICATION AND HIS GLORY”

I FEEL LIKE THIS APPLIES TO OUR STUDY OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS - AS I THINK OF THE FAITH AND TRUST WE NEED TO PUT IN GOD WHO HAS GIVEN US THESE GIFTS - NOT FOR OUR OWN SELF GRATIFICATION BUT FOR OUR SANCTIFICATION AND FOR GOD’S GLORY AND FOR THE EDIFYING OR BUILDING UP OF THE CHURCH.

TO GET STARTED - WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF A SPIRITUAL GIFT.

GOD-GIVEN ASSIGNMENT, CAPACITY, AND DESIRE TO PERFORM A FUNCTION WITHIN THE BODY OF CHRIST WITH SUPERNATURAL JOY, ENERGY AND EFFECTIVENESS.

GOD CHOSE THE GIFT FOR US - WE MUST CHOOSE TO UNWRAP IT AND USE IT -REMINDS ME OF THE PARABLE THAT JESUS GAVE CONCERNING WHAT HIS DISCIPLES WHERE TO BE DOING WHILE HE WAS AWAY : LUKE 19 : 11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. - AND WE KNOW THE REST OF THE ACCOUNT HOW THAT THOSE WHO USED THE MONEY GIVEN TO THEM AND MULTIPLIED IT TILL HE CAME BACK WERE BLESSED - V 17 THE SERVANTS WHO GAINED MORE WERE GIVEN AUTHORITY OVER 10 AND 5 CITIES - V20 BUT THE SERVANT WHO MADE EXCUSES AND WRAPPED UP HIS MONEY FOR FEAR OF ONE WHO HAD GIVEN THE GIFT AND DID NOTHING THEN HIS GIFT WAS TAKEN AWAY AND GIVEN TO THE ONE WITH TEN POUNDS AND V 26 SAYS For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not (THE ONES WHO DO NOT USE THE GIFT), even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

THINKING OF OUR ILLUSTRATION FROM THE INTRODUCTION MESSAGE - TO MAKE THIS PRACTICAL WE LOOKED HOW THAT TAKING OUT THE TRASH IS AN NECESSARY AND IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE WELL- BEING AND HEALTH AND SAFETY OF LIFE. IF MY GIFT IS TO TAKE OUT THE TRASH - AND I DO THAT AND ADD ONTO IT SWEEPING THE FLOOR AND THEN PICKING UP TRASH INSIDE AND OUT AND THEN SNOW AND LEAF REMOVAL AS A WAY TO MULTIPLY MY TALENT - THE LORD WILL BLESS US FOR IT - BUT ACCORDING TO VERSE 23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? IT IS BETTER FOR US TO USE OUR GIFT HOWEVER SMALL OR INSIGNIFICANT WE MAY FEEL IT IS - THAN HIDE OR BURY IT FOR THEN THE MASTER WILL TAKE IT AWAY FROM US AND GIVE IT TO OTHERS TO USE - AND WE WILL BE JUDGED FOR IT - V27 LAST VERSE OF THIS TEACHING SAYS.  But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

GOD GIVEN ASSIGNMENT THAT WE MUST CHOOSE TO USE AND UNWRAP AND HE WILL GIVE US THE CAPACITY TO GROW AND MULTIPLY OUR REWARD - AS THE ONES WHO USED THE MONEY THAT THEY WERE GIVEN - THEY WERE REWARDED WITH AUTHORITY OVER 10 AND 5 CITIES.

PERFORMING OUR FUNCTION - FOR WHAT PURPOSE OR GOAL - A QUOTE SHARED WITH ME SAYS : LEARN TO BE AWARE OF THE GIFTS THAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU AND TO USE IT TO MINISTER TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS. EPHISIANS 4:12 SAYS For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: WHAT ARE THESE GIFTS TO HELP US DO FOR OTHERS - (NOT FOR OUR OWN GLORY) BUT THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS TO REPAIR - RESTORE OR MEND - FOR THE TRAINING AND BUILDING UP THE BODY OF CHRIST.

WITH SUPERNATURAL JOY ENERGY AND EFFECTIVENESS - THIS CAN ONLY BY FOUND WITH RECOGNITION OF WHO GIVES THE GIFT AND REALIZE WHO GIVES THE POWER TO DO THE WILL OF THE FATHER WHICH SHOULD CREATE A DESIRE IN US SEEK AND FIND OUR GIFT - THEN WHEN WE HAVE THE UNDERSTANDING IT IS FROM GOD - BY GOD - POWERED BY GOD AND THEN IN HUMILITY WE DESIRE TO SEEK AND FIND OUR GIFT SO WE THEN CAN PERFORM THEM BY GODS POWER - FOR GODS KINGDOM BUILDING OF THE CHURCH FOR GODS GLORY. THEN HE WILL BLESS US WITH THE SUPERNATURAL JOY- ENERGY - AND EFFECTIVENESS THAT ONLY GOD CAN GIVE.

7 STEPS OF EFFECTUAL GIFTS

DO WHAT IS NEEDED NOW .

START SMALL - DON’T WAIT FOR A BIG GIFT TO START

DO YOUR BEST - GOAL TO ADD VALUE TO KINGDOM OF GOD

OBSERVE OTHERS AND LEARN FROM THEM - WORK TOGETHER.

EVALUATE - ARE YOU EXPERIENCING JOY - IS GOD PROVIDING ENERGY IN EXTRA PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND SPIRITUAL STRENGTH.

EFFECTIVE - ARE OTHER DOING OR SAYING THINGS TO AFFIRM YOUR GIFT - EVEN IF IT MEANS GIVING YOU MORE OPPORTUNITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO USE YOUR GIFT.

GIVE IT BACK TO GOD - GOD GAVE IT TO YOU SO YOU CAN BENEFIT OTHERS AND BUILD UP THE CHURCH - THE BODY OF CHRIST.

LETS LOOK AT THE FIRST 8 GIFTS OF OUR SURVEY - I TRUST YOU TOOK THE TIME TO GO THROUGH THE QUESTIONS AND SCORING AND GRAPHING YOUR PROFILE - FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE

HOW MANY WERE SURPRISED AT WHAT THEY LEARNED?

HOW MANY FEEL THIS HAS GIVEN THEM A CLEARER UNDERSTANDING OF WHO THEY ARE WHAT AREAS TO HELP BUILD UP THE CHURCH.

HOW MANY FEEL THAT THE RESULTS EXCUSE OR EXEMPT THEM FROM THE RESPONSIBILITY THEY HAVE IN THE CHURCH? EXAMPLE - IF TEACHING WAS NOT A STRONG GIFT - SO THEREFORE I AM EXEMPT FROM TEACHING S.S. SEE WHAT PETER HAS TO SAY ABOUT OUR RESPONSIBILITY

1 PETER (Chapter 4) VERSES7-10

7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

BE AWARE THAT WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY -

WE NEED TO PRAY AND HAVE THE DESIRE TO HELP OTHERS

FERVENT CHARITY OR LOVE IS REQUIRED - WILLING TO GIVE AND SHARE - NOT WITH MISGIVINGS OR RESERVE.

GOD HAS GIVEN US GRACE - FREE GIFT OF SALVATION WE HAVE RECEIVED AND IN TURN SHOULD LEAD TO GRACIOUS ACTS TO OTHER - IN THIS WAY AS GOOD STEWARDS WE CAN SEE THAT GRACE LEADS TO GRACE. WE CAN NOT EXEMPT OR EXCUSE OURSELVES FROM SHOWING LOVE AND GRACE TO OTHERS - WE MAY DO IT IN DIFFERENT WAYS OR IN MORE OR LESS CAPACITY BUT THE CORE COMMANDS TO LOVE GOD AND FELLOWMAN APPLIES.

WE AS CHRISTIANS SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE NO LOOPHOLES IN GODS PLAN - WE ARE RESPONSIBLE TO GOD AND SINCE WE SERVE AN ALMIGHTY GOD, RIGHTEOUS GOD - THEN WE KNOW HIS EXPECTATIONS AND JUDGEMENT OF HOW WE HANDLE THE GIFTS HE HAS GIVEN US IS TRUE.

LEADERSHIP - LEADERSHIP AIDS THE BODY BY LEADING AND DIRECTING THE MEMBERS TO ACCOMPLISH THE GOALS AND PURPOSES OF THE CHURCH. LEADERSHIP MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO WORK TOGETHER IN UNITY TOWARDS COMMON GOALS.

Romans 12:8“ he that ruleth, with diligence;

1 Timothy 5:17 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”

AS WE GO THROUGH THE GIFTS I WANT GO BACK AND READ THE QUESTIONS TO SEE WHAT CHARACTERISTIC ARE TO BE FOUND TO SUPPORT EACH GIFT.

4. I HAVE A GOD GIVEN ABILITY TO HELP OTHERS GROW IN THEIR FAITH.

16. I CAN ADAPT MY GUIDANCE TO FIT THE MATURITY OF THOSE WORKING WITH ME.

27. I AM A PERSON OF VISION (CLEAR MENTAL MENTAL PORTRAIT OF A PREFERABLE FUTURE GIVEN BY GOD. I AM ABLE TO COMMUNICATE VISION IN SUCH A WAY THAT OTHERS COMMIT TO MAKING THE VISION REALITY.

43. I CAN DETERMINE WHERE GOD WANTS A GROUP TO GO AND HELP IT GET THERE.

65. I CAN INFLUENCE OTHERS TO PERFORM TO THEIR HIGHEST GOD GIVEN POTENTIAL.

IF YOU LOOK AT THIS LIST AND EACH ONE OF US WHO IS A PARENT SHOULD FEEL A RESPONSIBILITY WITH THESE QUESTION IN REGARDS TO OUR CHILDREN - FOR SOME OF US WE MAY BE SEEING THE RESULTS HOW WELL WE LEAD OUT IN OUR FAMILIES. MAY WE EMBRACE THE CALLING TO HELP OUR CHILDREN GROW, TEACH ON THEIR LEVEL, GIVE THEM THE VISION TO BE FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS AND BE IN HIS WILL AND REACH THE POTENTIAL THAT GOD HAS FOR THEM.

IN NUMBERS 13 WE HAVE THE ACCOUNT OF MOSES PICKING 12 LEADERS FROM EVERY TRIBE TO SPY OUT THE LAND OF CANAAN. THESE LEADERS WERE MEN CHOSEN ONE BY ONE BY MOSES AT THE COMMANDMENT OF THE LORD. I HAVE LIST OF WHAT LEADERSHIP INVOLVES AND REQUIRES.

1. PLACE OF LEADERSHIP IS A PLACE OF HONOR - THESE 12 MEN CHOSEN AS LEADERS FOR GODS PEOPLE - GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD WITH HONOR - INTEGRITY AND COURAGE. THERE IS GREAT HONOR IN BEING SELECTED AS A LEADER BUT THE DANGER ARRIVES WHEN A LEADER WANTS ALL THE HONOR WITHOUT TAKING ALL OF THE RESPONSIBILITY.

2. PLACE OF GREAT RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS THE COST OF LEADERSHIP AND WHERE GREAT LEADERS EARN THEIR PLACE IN HISTORY. THESE MEN HAD THE RESPONSIBILITY TO SPY OUT THE LAND, COME BACK WITH A REPORT AND THEN ISSUE THE CHALLENGE OF FAITH TO ALL PEOPLE. ALL 12 TOOK COURAGEOUS ACTION IN THE BEGINNING - THEY SLIPPED INTO THE LAND -LIVED IN THIS DANGEROUS PLACE FOR 40 DAYS, OBSERVED THE PEOPLE AND EVEN TOOK SOME PRIME PRODUCE AND CAME BACK SAFELY WITH FULL REPORTS ON WHAT THEY HAD SEEN, COMPLETING THE 1ST PORTION OF THIS CHALLENGING ASSIGNMENT. SECOND PART OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY WAS TO BE FAITH DRIVEN LEADERS AND GIVE THE CHALLENGE TO MOVE FORWARD IN FAITH AND NOT OF FEAR.

3. AN EFFECTIVE LEADER DOES NOT LET PROBLEMS STOP THE PROMISE. WHEN THE 10 FRIGHTENED LEADERS MADE A CASE FOR FEAR AND IT SAYS THEY BROUGHT UP AN EVIL REPORT OF THE LAND - SAYING THEY ARE STRONGER THAN WE. BUT CALEB SAID : LET US GO UP AT ONCE AND POSSESS IT FOR WE ARE WELL ABLE TO OVERCOME IT. LATER JOSHUA AND CALEB SAID IF THE LORD DELIGHT IN US- HE WILL BRING US INTO THIS LAND, AND GIVE IT TO US. THE LORD IS WITH US - FEAR THEM NOT. AN EFFECTIVE LEADER CANNOT LET A TEMPORARY PROBLEM - NO MATTER HOW LARGE - BLOCK THE PROMISES OF GOD.

Colonel George Washington Goethals, the man responsible for the completion of the Panama Canal, had stifling problems with the climate and the geography of Central America. Driving rains, incredible heat, and deadly disease were problems that never left his task. But his biggest challenge was the growing criticism back home from those who predicted he'd never finish the project. The voices of the critics appeared to be the biggest problem of all.

Finally, a colleague asked him, "Aren't you going to answer these critics?"

"In time," answered Goethals.

"When?" his partner asked.

"When the canal is finished."

4. THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITY A LEADER MUST HAVE IS FAITH. SINCE FAITH IS ONE OF OUR GIFTS WE WILL SKIP OVER THIS FOR NOW.

GOD ISSUES JUDGEMENT AGAINST HIS PEOPLE BUT HE ALSO ISSUED REWARDS - JOSHUA AND CALEB ARE THE ONLY TWO LEADERS REMEMBERED OF THE TWELVE - JOSHUA LEAD THE NEW GENERATION ACROSS THE JORDAN RIVER - THROUGH THE CRUMBLING WALLS OF JERICHO AND INTO THE PROMISED LAND. CALEB LIVED A LONG VIBRANT LIFE AND HIS FAITH WAS REWARDED - BOTH MEN OUTLIVED EVERY GRUMBLER, COMPLAINER AND NAYSAYER AROUND THEM. THE REWARD FOR HOLDING ONTO THEIR FAITH IN GOD FOR THESE MEN WAS PRICELESS.

2. ADMINISTRATION - PERSON WITH THE GIFT OF ADMINISTRATION LEAD THE BODY BY STEERING OTHERS TO REMAIN ON TASK. ADMINISTRATION ENABLES THE BODY TO ORGANIZE ACCORDING TO GOD-GIVEN PURPOSES AND LONG - TERM GOALS. ONE WHO HELPS WITH MANAGING, RULING AND ORGANIZING. SO FOR THIS GIFT IT MAY HAVE BEEN BETTER TO HAVE ONE OF OUR DEACONS EITHER AMOS OR CHRIS EXPLAIN WHAT A CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR IS. I SAW A COFFEE MUG WITH A NUTRITIONAL FACTS BOX ON THE SIDE -

SERVING SIZE FOR ONE AWESOME CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR -

AMOUNT PER SERVING: 1 GREAT JOB

HARDWORKING 1000%

UNRIVALED SKILL 500%

PASSION ------------100%

CARING ------------300%

SLEEP ---------------- 0%

CAFFEINE ----------110%

*NOT A SIGNIFICANT SOURCE OF GRATITUDE RECEIVED

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE BUT SHOWS US THE WORK OF OUR DEACONS IS NOT A SMALL TASK - SO AT THIS TIME I WANT TO THANK OUR DEACONS FOR ALL THEIR BEHIND THE SCENES WORK THEY DO THAT MOST OF US NEVER SEE.

LETS LOOK AT THE QUESTIONS TO SEE WHAT ALL IS INVOLVED WITH ADMINISTRATION.

I HAVE THE ABILITY TO ORGANIZE IDEAS, RESOURCES, TIME, AND PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY.

17. I CAN DELEGATE AND ASSIGN MEANINGFUL WORK.

31. I AM SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING A GROUP TO DO ITS WORK JOYFULLY.

47. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT PLANS FOR ACCOMPLISHING THE GOALS OF A GROUP.

59. I AM SKILLED IN SETTING FORTH POSITIVE AND PRECISE STEPS OF ACTION.

AS YOU LOOK AT THIS LIST YOU CAN APPLY THIS TO SO MANY AREAS BESIDES CHURCH LIFE - IN OUR FAMILIES, SCHOOLS AND BUSINESSES TO NAME A FEW.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OR MISSION OF AN ADMINISTRATOR - WHEN WE THINK OF A CHURCH ADMINISTRATION AS THE INTENTIONAL DECISIONS TO ORGANIZE THE RESOURCES AND PEOPLE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH TO LOVE GOD AND LOVE OTHERS THE PIECES FIT TOGETHER MUCH EASIER, AND WILL PRODUCE RESULTS IN A COHESIVE VISION AND MISSION TO ORGANIZE THE PEOPLE OF GOD AND THE RESOURCES OF THE CHURCH TO SHOW THE MOST LOVE TO THE WORLD.

1 TIMOTHY (Chapter 3) 8-13 PAUL IS GIVING TIMOTHY THIS DEFINITION FOLLOWING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A BISHOP. THESE SHOULD APPLY TO ALL CHRISTIAN BELIEVERS.

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

IN EXODUS 18 : 13-27 WE HAVE AN EXAMPLE OF HOW MOSES WAS FAILING IN ADMINISTRATION AND IT TOOK HIS FATHER-IN-LAW JETHRO TO SEE THE PROBLEM AND MAKE A SUGGESTION ON HOW MOSES NEED TO APPOINT MEN - IN VERSE 21 OF EXODUS 18 IS SAYS 21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. AND THEN IN VERSE 24 IT SAYS ; So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.

WE OFTEN FALL INTO THE SAME SITUATION THAT MOSES DID - AS LEADERS OF THE HOME OR BUSINESS AND CHURCH WE CAN HAVE THE IDEA - COME UP WITH A PLAN THEN DO THE WORK AND FINISH IT SO IT ALL GETS DONE ACCORDING TO HOW WE THINK IT SHOULD BE - HOWEVER - SOMETIME ALL WE SHOULD BE INVOLVED WITH IS ONE ASPECT AND LET OTHERS HAVE A CHANCE TO TAKE IT AND MAKE IT SOMETHING SO MUCH MORE BY GODS BLESSING TO MULTIPLY IT INTO SOMETHING MORE THAN WE IMAGINED. LIKE IN THE EXAMPLE OF MOSES - THE BIGGEST HINDRANCE TO MEETING ALL THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE WAS THE ADMINISTRATOR HIMSELF. SO DO WE NEED TO DELEGATE SOME OF OUR WORK OR DO WE NEED TO OFFER TO HELP AND ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY WITH THE WORK TO ENSURE THAT THE LOVE OF GOD REACHES THE CHURCH AND THE WORLD AROUND US.

3. TEACHING - TEACHING IS INSTRUCTING MEMBERS IN THE TRUTHS AND DOCTRINES OF GOD’S WORD FOR THE PURPOSES OF BUILDING UP, UNIFYING, AND MATURING THE BODY. WILLIAM MCGRATH LIST THIS AS A SPEAKING GIFT - THE 1ST TWO WERE SERVING GIFTS. ALSO BY DEFINITION OF PURPOSE THIS IS TO TEACH, WRITE AND EXPOSIT - WHICH MEANS TO CLARIFY, ELABORATE, EXPOUND, FLESH OUT.

SO ALL THE TEACHERS IN SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS MORNING WAS THIS YOUR VISION AND GOAL - DO YOU FEEL THIS WAS ACCOMPLISHED?

2. I AM WILLING TO STUDY AND PREPARE FOR THE TASK OF TEACHING.

18. I HAVE THE ABILITY AND DESIRE TO TEACH.

33. I HAVE THE ABILITY TO TEACH A VARIETY OF LEARNING STYLES

61. I EXPLAIN SCRIPTURE IN SUCH A WAY THAT OTHERS UNDERSTAND IT.

73. I CAN GIVE A CLEAR, UNCOMPLICATED PRESENTATION OF THE GOSPEL.

WHO IN THE BIBLE WAS THE GREATEST TEACHER - CHECKED ALL THESE BOXES WHILE HE WAS TEACHING. - JESUS.

WHATS ONE OF THE KEY FACTORS OF A GOOD TEACHER? KNOW THE SUBJECT. IF I WAS HERE TO DISCUSS ONE OF THE THINGS I ENJOY - OVERHAULING AN ENGINE I COULD GET INTO A LIVELY DISCUSSION OF TORQUE - TORQUE ANGLES AND FEELER GAUGES AND LINER HEIGHT PREFERENCES BECAUSE IT IS SOMETHING I HAVE HANDS ON EXPERIENCE - AND I AM A VISUAL HANDS ON LEARNER - I AM NOT A GOOD TEACHER BECAUSE I WOULD RATHER SHOW YOU HOW TO DO IT THAN WRITE IT OUT OR TEACH IT IN A CLASSROOM.

JESUS THE GREATEST TEACHER - NO MATTER WHAT HE WAS QUESTIONED ABOUT HE HAD THE ANSWER BUT WAS ALSO ABLE TO MAKE IT UNDERSTANDABLE TO HIS DISCIPLES OR TO CONFOUND THE TEACHERS AND LEARNED INDIVIDUALS OF HIS DAY - AND CAUSE THEM TO MARVEL AT HIS KNOWLEDGE. JESUS POSSESSED ALL THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS BUT A FEW OF THE GIFT THAT MADE HIM AN EFFECTIVE TEACHER WAS HIS WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE AS WELL AS HIS LOVE FOR HIS LISTENERS AND HIS ABILITY TO GET INTO THEIR HEARTS AND MOTIVATE THEM TO ACTION - WHY WAS JESUS EFFECTIVE -

JESUS USED UNASSAILABLE LOGIC - UNABLE TO BE ATTACKED, QUESTIONED, OR DEFEATED - LIKE THE WISE AND FOOLISH MAN BUILDING THEIR HOUSES ON THE ROCK OR SAND.

JESUS USED MEANINGFUL ILLUSTRATIONS - LIKE THE SPECK IN OUR BROTHERS EYE THAT WE ARE TRYING TO HELP REMOVE BUT WE HAVE A BEAM OR LOG IN OUR EYE.

JESUS USED OBJECT LESSONS. ONE OBJECT LESSON HE PERFORMED IN PERSON WAS WHEN HE WASHED HIS DISCIPLES FEET TO SHOW THEM HUMILITY AND SERVANTHOOD.

JESUS USED SCRIPTURE - QUOTED OLD TESTAMENT VERSES TO VALIDATE AND SHOW A BETTER WAY AND THE LOVE OF GOD.

JESUS SET THE EXAMPLE - HE GOT DOWN AND WASHED HIS DISCIPLES FEET TO DEMONSTRATE A HUMBLE WALK WITH GOD.

JESUS ALSO HAD EMPATHY FOR OUR HUMAN IMPERFECTIONS - HE KNEW HOW MAN THINKS, AND FEELS, WHAT WE BELIEVE, OUR URGES AND DESIRES AS HUMANITY. THEREFORE AS BELIEVERS WE WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE AS WE GRASP WHAT IS IN THOSE WHO WE TEACH AND EVANGELIZE TO.

IF WE WANT TO BE BETTER TEACHERS - WE NEED TO KNOW THE WORD OF GOD - AND ALONG WITH THAT WE NEED TO KNOW JESUS AND THAT BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WE CAN TEACH - WRITE - EXPOUND THE WHAT THE WORD OF GOD SAYS.

KNOWLEDGE - THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE MANIFEST ITSELF IN TEACHING AND TRAINING IN DISCIPLESHIP. IT IS THE GOD-GIVEN ABILITY TO LEARN, KNOW AND EXPLAIN THE PRECIOUS TRUTHS OF GOD’S WORD. A WORD OF KNOWLEDGE IS A SPIRIT-REVEALED TRUTH. KNOWLEDGE TAKES RESEARCH, STUDY, EXPLANATION AND INSIGHT TO THE WORD OF GOD.

9. I ENJOY STUDYING.

24. I SPEND TIME DIGGING INTO FACTS

39. I AM ABLE TO DISCOVER NEW TRUTHS IN SCRIPTURE.

68. I CAN ORGANIZE FACTS INTO MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS.

79. I HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF STUDY RESOURCES AND KNOW HOW TO SECURE INFORMATION.

WHEN I THINK OF DISCERNMENT AND INSIGHT TO THE WORD OF GOD MY MIND GOES TO THE ACCOUNT OF PHILLIP AND THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH IN ACTS 8: 26- 40 WE KNOW THE MIRACULOUS ACCOUNT WHERE THE ANGEL OF THE LORD DIRECTED PHILIP TO TRAVEL SOUTH THROUGH THE DESERT FROM JERUSALEM TO GAZA AND HE MET A MAN WHO WAS READING THE SCRIPTURE AND PHILIP JOINED HIM IN THE CHARIOT AND IT SAYS IN VERSE 35. Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. - PHILIP WAS ABLE TO EXPLAIN THE WORD AND GIVE INSIGHT SO IN VERSE 36 IT SAYS  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? AND PHILIP SAID - IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH ALL THINE HEART, THOU MAYEST. SO HE WAS BAPTIZED - MIRACULOUS EVENT - IN THE DESERT AND THEY CAME UPON WATER - AND THEN WHEN THEY CAME OUT OF THE WATER THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD CAUGHT AWAY PHILIP SO THE EUNUCH SAW HIM NO MORE. POWERFUL ACCOUNT.

HOW DO WE DEVELOP OUR WORD OF KNOWLEDGE

DEEPEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. BY PRAYER AND MEDITATION ON HIS WORD ALLOWING HIM TO REVEAL INSIGHTS TO YOU.

SUBMIT TO GOD’S TIMING. BE PATIENT AND WILLING TO RECEIVE REVELATIONS WHEN GOD CHOOSES TO GIVE THEM, TRUSTING IN HIS PERFECT TIMING.

DISCERNMENT AND HUMILITY. SEEK THE HOLY SPIRITS GUIDANCE TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN HUMAN KNOWLEDGE AND DIVINE INSIGHTS, AND MAINTAIN ALL HUMILITY WITH YOUR REVELATIONS.

THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE IS A VALUABLE TOOL FOR EDIFYING AND GUIDING THE CHURCH WHEN SEEKING GOD WISDOM AND ALIGNMENT WITH HIS WILL - INDIVIDUALS CAN BRING FORTH DIVINE INSIGHTS THAT STRENGTHEN BELIEVERS FAITH AND UNDERSTANDING.

5. WISDOM - WISDOM IS THE GIFT THAT DISCERNS THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE BODY AND APPLIES HIS TEACHINGS AND ACTION TO THE NEEDS OF THE BODY. ONE IS ABLE TO CALCULATE AND EXPERIENCE PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF GODS WORD AND OFFER GODLY COUNCIL.

3. I AM ABLE TO RELATE THE TRUTHS OF GOD TO SPECIFIC SITUATIONS.

19. I AM USUALLY ABLE TO ANALYZE A SITUATION CORRECTLY.

48. I AM OFTEN CONSULTED WHEN FELLOW CHRISTIANS ARE STRUGGLING TO MAKE DIFFICULT DECISIONS.

62. I CAN USUALLY SEE SPIRITUAL SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS.

74. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO APPLY BIBLICAL TRUTH TO THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF MY CHURCH.

WHEN THE GIFT OF WISDOM IS PRESENT IN THE CHURCH IT CONTRIBUTES TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY AND UNITY. THE GIFT OF WISDOM PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN PROVIDING SOUND GUIDANCE AND RESOLVING CONFLICTS WITH BIBLICAL INSIGHT. WISDOM INVOLVES THE ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND DISCERNMENT TO MOVING FORWARD WITH THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION.

MY MIND GOES TO SOLOMON’S PRACTICAL AND DISCERNING WISDOM IN 1 KINGS 3:13 - 28 WHEN HE JUDGED CORRECTLY WHO’S CHILD IT WAS - AND IN VERSE 28 IS SAYS: and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.

HOW DO WE GROW IN WISDOM -

1.PRAY FOR WISDOM - REGULARLY ASK GOD TO GRANT WISDOM IN OUR PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL LIFE.

2. STAY HUMBLE. RECOGNIZE THAT WISDOM IS A GIFT FROM GOD AND REMAIN OPEN TO LEARNING AND GROWING MORE IN YOUR UNDERSTANDING.

3. USE WISDOM TO SERVE. SEEK OPPORTUNITY TO USE YOUR GIFT OF WISDOM TO COUNSEL AND GUIDE OTHERS, ALWAYS SEEKING GODS DIRECTION AND WILL IN YOUR ADVICE.

THOSE WITH WISDOM ARE A VALUABLE ASSET WITHIN THE CHURCH PROVIDING GUIDANCE, COUNSEL AND DISCERNMENT IN VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES. BY RELYING ON GODS WORD AND SEEKING THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THIS GIFT SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTES TO THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND WELL BEING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST.

6. PROPHECY - THE GIFT OF PROPHESY IS PROCLAIMING THE WORD OF GOD BOLDLY. THIS BUILDS UP THE BODY AND LEADS TO CONVICTION OF SIN. PROPHECY MANIFEST ITSELF IN TEACHING AND PREACHING.

10. I HAVE DELIVERED GOD’S MESSAGE OF WARNING AND JUDGEMENT.

25. I FEEL THAT I HAVE A MESSAGE FROM GOD TO DELIVER TO OTHERS.

40. I HAVE SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM SCRIPTURE CONCERNING ISSUES AND PEOPLE THAT COMPEL ME TO SPEAK OUT.

54. I HAVE DELIVERED TO OTHER PERSONS MESSAGES THAT HAVE COME DIRECTLY FROM GOD.

69. GOD GIVES ME MESSAGES TO DELIVER TO HIS PEOPLE .

1 CORINTHIANS (Chapter 14) VERSES 1-5

1. Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

PROPHECY IS NOT FORTUNE TELLING OR PSYCHICS - BUT THOSE WITH THIS GIFT ARE THE MOUTH PIECES FOR GOD SPEAKING HIS TRUTH IN LOVE AND HUMILITY. THEY SHARE GOD’S HEART, WISDOM, AND DIRECTION WITH BOLDNESS AND ACCURACY BRINGING CLARITY TO THE SITUATION AND POINTING OTHERS TO GOD’S WILL, THEY ARE PROCLAIMING THE MESSAGE OF GOD BRINGING FORTH DIVINE REVELATIONS, EXHORTATIONS, AND INSIGHTS FOR EDIFICATION AND GUIDANCE OF BELIEVERS. WE OFTEN THINK OF PROPHECY AS LIMITED TO PREDICTING THE FUTURE AND WHILE IT DOES INVOLVE FORETELLING PAUL MAKES IT CLEAR IN VERSE 3 OF 1 CORINTHIANS 14 THAT IT IS FOR EDIFICATION, EXHORTATION AND COMFORT.

AS THOSE WHO EXERCISE THIS GIFT THEY BECOME CHANNELS THROUGH WHICH GOD COMMUNICATES HIS HEART, WILL AND CHARACTER THIS WILL BRING REVELATION, ENCOURAGEMENT AND ALIGNMENT OF HIS DIVINE PURPOSE AND PLAN. PROPHECIES SHOULD ALIGN WITH TRUTHS OF SCRIPTURE AND BEAR WITNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE HEARTS OF BELIEVERS.

7. DISCERNMENT - DISCERNMENT AIDS THE BODY BY RECOGNIZING THE TRUE INTENTIONS OF THOSE WITHIN OR RELATED TO THE BODY. DISCERNMENT TEST THE MESSAGE AND ACTIONS OF OTHERS FOR PROTECTION AND WELL-BEING OF THE BODY. DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN WHAT IS TRUE AND FALSE.

11. I AM ABLE TO SENSE THE TRUE MOTIVATION OF PERSONS AND MOVEMENTS.

26. I CAN RECOGNIZE WHEN A PERSON IS GENUINE OR HONEST

41. I CAN SENSE WHEN A PERSON IS ACTING IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOD’S WILL.

55. I CAN SENSE WHEN A PERSON IS ACTING UNDER GOD’S LEADERSHIP.

70. I AM ABLE TO SENSE WHETHER PEOPLE ARE BEING HONEST WHEN THEY TELL OF THEIR RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE.

ON FRIDAY I WAS AT THE BARBER SHOP AND HE ASKED IF I HAD PLANS FOR THE WEEKEND AND I TOLD HIM I DID - I WOULD BE STUDYING FOR THIS MORNING - HE ASKED IF I HAD A DIRECTION OF WHAT WE WOULD BE SHARING AND I TOLD HIM WE WOULD BE LOOKING AT SPIRITUAL GIFTS - AND HIS IMMEDIATE RESPONSE WAS - I WISH I HAD THE GIFT OF DISCERNING HOW LONG TO KEEP AN OLD VEHICLE AROUND! - WE CHATTED THEN ABOUT HIS RECENT EXPERIENCE WITH A BAD ALTERNATOR AND TOWING AND HIS $800 BILL FOR A WORTHLESS CAR. TWO THINGS I THOUGHT OF -DESIRE FOR SPIRITUAL GIFTS IS NOT TO BE FOR PERSONAL GRATIFICATION AND DISCERNING VEHICLE POSSESSION IS NOT WHAT PAUL WAS SPEAKING ABOUT IN Acts 16:16–18 “And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.” PAUL WAS ABLE BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT DISCERN THE SPIRIT OF DIVINATION AND FREED THE YOUNG WOMAN FROM ITS INFLUENCE. PAUL’S EXAMPLE SHOWED HIS KEEN INSIGHT AND SENSITIVITY TO BE ABLE TO DISCERN THE PRESENCE AND NATURE OF SPIRITUAL INFLUENCES - WHETHER THEY BE FROM GOD, HUMAN OR DEMONIC ORIGIN.

JESUS ALSO IN MARK 5 : 1-20 IN THE ACCOUNT OF THE MAN POSSESSED BY AN UNCLEAN SPIRTIT NAMED LEGION WHO JESUS DISCERNED THE SPIRITS PRESENCE AND AUTHORITY AND FREED THE MAN FROM ITS GRIP SO THAT HE WAS DELIVERED AND IT SAYS HE WAS SITTING CLOTHED AND IN HIS RIGHT MIND.

DISCERNMENT CAN BE SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT AS WELL AS DISCERNING THE MOTIVES AND INTENTIONS IN HUMAN INTERACTION. DISCERNMENT CAN BE MISUSED OR MISINTERPRETED SO IT NEEDS TO BE USED WITH LOVE AND HUMILITY TO AVOID JUDGMENTAL ATTITUDES.

EXAMPLE OF DIVINE DISCERNMENT BY PETER IN ACTS 5:1-11 IN THE ACCOUNT OF ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA HIS WIFE AND THEIR MOTIVE TO KEEP BACK PART OF THE MONEY.

REQUIRES TO BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SENSITIVE TO HIS PROMPTING AND LEADING. A STRONG BIBLICAL FOUNDATION ENHANCES DISCERNMENT ALONG WITH BEING A SPIRITUALITY MATURE CHRISTIAN BELIEVER SURRENDERED TO GOD’S LEADING AND CONTINUALLY SEEKING HIS WILL IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE.

8. EXHORTATION - POSSESSORS OF THIS GIFT ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TO BE INVOLVED IN AND ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THE WORK OF THE LORD. MEMBERS WITH THIS GIFT ARE GOOD COUNSELORS AND MOTIVATE OTHERS TO SERVICE. EXHORTATION EXHIBITS ITSELF IN PREACHING, TEACHING AND MINISTRY. TO GIVE COUNSEL, COMFORT, GUIDANCE AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE BODY OF CHRIST.

20. I HAVE A NATURAL TENDENCY TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS.

34. I CAN IDENTIFY THOSE WHO NEED ENCOURAGEMENT.

49. I THINK ABOUT HOW I CAN COMFORT AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS IN MY CONGREGATION.

63. I WELCOME OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP PEOPLE WHO NEED COMFORT, CONSOLATION, ENCOURAGEMENT AND COUNSELING.

75. GOD HAS USED ME TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO LIVE CHRISTLIKE LIVES.

ACT 4: 32-37 WE HAVE THE ACCOUNT WHERE THE EARLY CHURCH WAS OF ONE HEART AND ONE SOUL AND THEY HAD ALL THINGS COMMON - VERSE 36  And Joses HOSAYS, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. HERE BARNABAS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED THE CHURCH BY GIVING HIS PROCEEDS FROM SELLING A PROPERTY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BELIEVERS . WHEN THIS GIFT IS PRESENT IN A CHURCH IT FOSTERS A CULTURE OF LOVE AND COMPASSION. INDIVIDUALS WITH THIS GIFT PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN COMFORTING THE GRIEVING, MOTIVATING THE DISCOURAGED AND SPURRING OTHERS ON IN THEIR FAITHFUL JOURNEY.

PRACTICAL WAYS TO DEVELOP EXHORTATION

LISTENING WITH EMPATHY - BE ATTENTIVE TO OTHERS STRUGGLES AND CHALLENGES AND OFFER A LISTENING EAR TO GAIN UNDERSTANDING.

SPEAKING WITH WORDS OF AFFIRMATION. PURPOSEFULLY SPEAK WITH WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND AFFIRMATION TO UPLIFT AND INSPIRE THOSE AROUND YOU.

PRAYING FOR OTHERS. LIFT OTHERS UP IN PRAYER, INTERCEDING ON THEIR BEHALF AND ASKING GOD TO STRENGTHEN AND COMFORT THEM.

ENCOURAGEMENT CAN ALSO BE EXPRESSED THROUGH ACTIONS, GESTURES, AND ACTS OF KINDNESS THAT DEMONSTRATE CARE AND COMPASSION. THIS IS A POWERFUL TOOL FOR BUILDING UP THE BODY OF CHRIST - FOSTERING A LOVING AND SUPPORTIVE CHURCH COMMUNITY. BELIEVERS WHO USE THIS GIFT OF EXHORTATION BRING COMFORT, HOPE, STRENGTH TO THOSE AROUND US - ULTIMATELY GLORIFYING GOD AND DRAWING OTHERS CLOSER TO HIM.

IN CLOSING - GOD HAS GIFTED YOU WITH AN EXPRESSION OF HIS HOLY SPIRIT TO SUPPORT HIS VISION AND MISSION OF THE CHURCH. IT IS A WORLDWIDE VISION TO REACH ALL THE PEOPLE WITH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. AS A SERVANT IN GOD’S KINGDOM HIS DESIRE IS THAT YOU KNOW HOW HE HAS GIFTED YOU, THIS WILL LEAD YOU TO WHERE HE WOULD HAVE YOU SERVE AS YOU BUILD UP THE BODY OF CHRIST TO ULTIMATELY BE WITH HIM IN HEAVEN.

CLOSING

I WANT TO THANK EACH ONE FOR COMING OUT - MAY GOD GRANT YOU HEALTH AND SAFETY THIS WEEK AS YOU SERVE HIM WITH THE DESIRE TO USE OUR GIFTS THAT HE HAS GIVEN US TO INTENTIONALLY LIVE FOR HIM. THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE THAT JESUS SHOWED US HOW TO LIVE EVERYDAY ALL DAY WHILE HE WAS HERE ON EARTH.